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(2) Borrowing from other theater groups
Rinaldi has a massive supply of props. The personal responsible for it keeps changing, so ask an upperclassman familiar with Rinaldi who to get in touch with. Set up a meeting and you will get access to their stock. We can also borrow things from MTG or GNSMTA. If you are lucky there will be someone in the production staff who is a member of MTG or GNS and they will get you access to their props supply. If not email their officer lists and explain what you are looking for. If someone has worked with MTA or taken classes, they might be able to get props from there.
(3) Borrowing from actors and other Ensemble membermembers
If the prop you need is something people have in real life (like a locket), another option is to email actors and ensemble@mit.edu asking for whatever you need. This method has a low success rate so keep looking.
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If all else fails, buy materials to make the prop. If you do not have experience with things such as woodworking, feel free to ask a savvy ensemble member , or the TD for help with certain pieces. We have supplies on the bottom shelf to make props. Artist Supply in Central Square also has a wide selection of materials to make props including paint and fancy paper for making letters.There are also stores around Boston and Cambridge and you can ask upperclassmen for suggestions.
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If making props is too difficult a task, the last resort is buying props. Amazon , and other websites are great places to find all sorts of things, but make sure the props will arrive in time for the production. There are also stores around Boston and Cambridge (Target, CVS, etc.) and you can ask upperclassmen for suggestions. Make sure you are not exceeding your budget as the Ensemble does not have large budgets.
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Start gathering props as early as possible in the production. If there is a complicated prop you want to start working on it as early as possible in order to have it ready for the actors. If there are props , that the actors need to practice with that aren't ready, rehearsal props, which are similar to the real props in structure and use, but not as detailed, are a great idea.
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